? for Z-Spray Owners

[Victor]

How long did it take you to get used to using your Z-Spray when you just starting using one? While I don't like shoving a push-spreader all over my lawns, one benefit of doing so, is I'm able to be extremely accurate with where I put product. With my push-spreader, I'm able to treat even the nooks and crannies of all my lawns.

While I would lose out on some accuracy, I sure do love all of the other advantages I'd gain. I'd obviously be able to treat a lot more lawns on a daily basis and while doing so, wouldn't be tired at the end of the day. There are obviously other advantages to switching to a Z.

Having said that, the only thing I'm wondering about, is how long was it before running your Z was second nature to you? I ran a Lazer Z for years when I offered mowing as a service, so I'm really familiar with zero-turn type controls. What I'm worried about is how easy it is to open your hopper, drop your side-deflector, or activate your spray nozzles while you're running the machine. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

[Tscape]

It becomes second nature in no time. Foot trigger for spray, right hand opens hopper (if you are rolling your left hand can push both hydro drives forward). You'll stop momentarily to drop the deflector and unless you are over 6 feet tall it could be a problem. When you really get good, you can dial down the hydro on the deflector and get very precise.

[rcreech]

Victor,
I don't own a Z Spray but I have a PG and I feel that I am more accurate using a maching due to taking the "walking speed" out of the equation. The PG runs a constant speed at a set RPM. At the end of the day the PG doesn't go slower because it is tired so I feel you get a better accuracy. Also there is nothing better then applying your chem and fert at the same time. VERY effecient!
I know you are asking about the Z but I have had great luck with the PG Magnum. I have about 170 hours on my machine and have not had a lick of trouble with it. I have never ran a Z but for the money I don't see how it can get any better then the PG. Very simple design and no boom.

[rcreech]

Victor,

Forgot to add that it took me about and hour to get used to the PG using water and I would say another day or two in the "real world" situations to get used to my machine.
What it the avg size lawn you do?

[Victor]

Victor,

Forgot to add that it took me about and hour to get used to the PG using water and I would say another day or two in the "real world" situations to get used to my machine.
What it the avg size lawn you do?

I target small lawns. The lawns I target are between 5M and 8M.

[Victor]

It becomes second nature in no time. Foot trigger for spray, right hand opens hopper (if you are rolling your left hand can push both hydro drives forward). You'll stop momentarily to drop the deflector and unless you are over 6 feet tall it could be a problem. When you really get good, you can dial down the hydro on the deflector and get very precise.

I'm 6'3 Mike, so hopefully that'll help me reach it without getting off the machine.

[TLS]

I target small lawns. The lawns I target are between 5M and 8M.

This is just my opinion, but with lawns that small, wouldn't you be more efficient with a push spreader and a couple of back-packs for stubborn weeds?

This is only my first year as a certified applicator, so I'm still pushing. Most of mine are acre plus with a few 3 acre in there as well. My smallest is about 10K. There is no way I'd use a powered spreader on that 10K one. It would take me longer to unload a powered unit than it would to push that one by hand.


Maybe those that use the powered spreaders could comment on this further, but for targeting those small postage stamp lots, I'd look into staying with a push spreader and maybe a buy a skid sprayer.

[turfsolutions]

You will be fine with the smaller lawns. You will actually be able to more accurately apply each product with the z spray. Highly suggest it. I am on my 2nd one and wouldn't be in this business without it.

[Victor]

This is just my opinion, but with lawns that small, wouldn't you be more efficient with a push spreader and a couple of back-packs for stubborn weeds?

This is only my first year as a certified applicator, so I'm still pushing. Most of mine are acre plus with a few 3 acre in there as well. My smallest is about 10K. There is no way I'd use a powered spreader on that 10K one. It would take me longer to unload a powered unit than it would to push that one by hand.


Maybe those that use the powered spreaders could comment on this further, but for targeting those small postage stamp lots, I'd look into staying with a push spreader and maybe a buy a skid sprayer.

I've been living the life you're describing TLS. I've been pushing a spreader around customer's lawns for 4 years now. I've been using a backpack to spot-treat weeds for years too. I already have a skid-sprayer that I do blanket weed-control applications with and I can tell you that I'm still tired at the end of the day.

Pushing a spreader around lawns all day (whether the lawns are small, or not) when it's hot out, or when the lawns are thick and tall, still sucks. There's a better way to do it and that answer is a ride-on spreader. There's no way you'd be as productive pushing a spreader as you would be on a ride-on spreader.

If I twisted an ankle and couldn't comfortable walk on it, I could still do applications with a rider. There's no way I could push a spreader all day like that.

I really do appreciate the input, but I've been doing this long enough to know that a rider would be a much more profitable and easier way for me to do applications.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

i have run permagreens since 2002 and i can say i get a whole lot more done in a day with a powered machine
i still push some of my slopes and smaller yards with gates and such so i dont totaly get out of shape :weightlifter: when i went from pushin to riding i cut my time by 2/3 so i could take on a lot more lawns and the big ones never slow me down anymore look at the machines out there and pic one youll love it

[rcreech]

Victor,
I use my PG Magnum on lawns ranging from 3K to 3 Ac for residential and have no problems. I guarantee one thing, it doesn't take me any longer to unload then the boys with the push spraders. You will be more then happy with any self propelled spreader (PG or Z). I purchased my PG while starting my lawn business and working part time. Only had 40 lawns but needed to get them done quickly and with minimal effort. I have not build my business on the machine as I can tackle any job. I do a local cemetary that is 23 Ac in about 9.5 hours. Once you do it ,you will look back and wonder why you ever questioned yourself. Good Luck!

[Victor]

Thanks for all the good points and feedback guys. A couple of times lately, I've been really close to pulling the trigger on getting a Z-Spray Jr., but financially it hasn't been a viable option yet. I'm almost done paying off a couple business loans though. Once they're paid off, I plan to get one. I can't imagine what it would be like to ride all of my lawns that I could use a rider on. I'll just have to be careful not to use it on those crispy lawns in the Summer though. :)

[Athletic field]

What speed, psi and nozzels are you guys using? I'm spraying at 5mph, 40psi and lavensr tips. I seem to be putting down more than I should?

[turfsolutions]

blue tips 35psi 4.0 mph broadleaf weed

grey tips 35psi 4.0 mph fungicide

[americanlawn]

Hi Vic -- nothing wrong whatsoever NOT using a ride-on. Just cuz some people use 'em doesn't mean you need to. Especially when it comes to accuracy of applications. I know National companies that run them on nearly every lawn (even on 3000 square foot), but on small lawns, a push spreader and/or spray gun is always more accurate than any ride-on. If it takes more time to blow off granules than it does to make an application........:dizzy:

If you have enough medium or large lawns to justify a ride-on, then get one if it fits your budget. I like ride-on units with hydrostatic transmissions cuz they are easy to maneuver around obstacles and easy to change direction. I prefer ride-ons that can fit thru a 36" gate. We prefer NOT to have to haul around a trailer just to be able to use a ride-on.....unless we're talkin' 40,000 sq ft or larger properties, but you better have enough of these "biggies" to justify it. Finally, if you have properties with slopes, you might want to pick a ride-on that maneuvers hills easilly......my 2 cent's worth. p.s. I like the Z-Spray max for large properties, but our "favorite" can be hauled on a carrier rack.

Thanks for all the good points and feedback guys. A couple of times lately, I've been really close to pulling the trigger on getting a Z-Spray Jr., but financially it hasn't't been a viable option yet. I'm almost done paying off a couple business loans though. Once they're paid off, I plan to get one. I can't imagine what it would be like to ride all of my lawns that I could use a rider on. I'll just have to be careful not to use it on those crispy lawns in the Summer though. :)

[humble1]

How long did it take you to get used to using your Z-Spray when you just starting using one? While I don't like shoving a push-spreader all over my lawns, one benefit of doing so, is I'm able to be extremely accurate with where I put product. With my push-spreader, I'm able to treat even the nooks and crannies of all my lawns.

While I would lose out on some accuracy, I sure do love all of the other advantages I'd gain. I'd obviously be able to treat a lot more lawns on a daily basis and while doing so, wouldn't be tired at the end of the day. There are obviously other advantages to switching to a Z.

Having said that, the only thing I'm wondering about, is how long was it before running your Z was second nature to you? I ran a Lazer Z for years when I offered mowing as a service, so I'm really familiar with zero-turn type controls. What I'm worried about is how easy it is to open your hopper, drop your side-deflector, or activate your spray nozzles while you're running the machine. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

I put a lesco truckster on my Z rheostat adj is on the floor so a little bit of a poor spot to put it, toggle switch on and off on spray instant responce is on left stick, spinner on off on right stick. Hopper on/off is mounted on my height adj now but will change to a foot control. I use a push spreader w/ side deflector then ride. I use it on anything bigger than 8-10k.

[GrazerZ]

Its pretty easy to get use to. I would say that if I only did under 10ks. I would probablly not do it though. the load and unload adds up quick in that situation. I prefer a two man set up with one guy driving,he does the paperwork(signs,logbook) and blows fert off if needed. The other guy spreads and sprays. if you are just spraying, and have bunch of small ones in a row, you can fly with a reel in this type of setup. I own a zmax and love it. But our average lawn is probablly in the 20-30k range though. I do use the z on small lawns, but if that were all i did, I would'nt. You will waste more fert by using a z on small lawns.

[jbturf]

i just got a z spray jr this weekend,
and just running it around the parking lot, i
am quite overwhelmed by it--
i feel real clumsy on it right now, and not sure yet
how to coordinate opening hopper and controls
while driving it
im sure i just need some time to practice and get used to it,
but i will continue using the PG until that happens

one thing i was quite suprised about, this is their JR machine,
but it is quite large in comparison to a PG or HPS

the advantages/disadvantages of this new machine seem
quite obvious to me already

[Grass Guru 621]

i just got a z spray jr this weekend,
and just running it around the parking lot, i
am quite overwhelmed by it--
i feel real clumsy on it right now, and not sure yet
how to coordinate opening hopper and controls
while driving it
im sure i just need some time to practice and get used to it,
but i will continue using the PG until that happens

one thing i was quite suprised about, this is their JR machine,
but it is quite large in comparison to a PG or HPS

the advantages/disadvantages of this new machine seem
quite obvious to me already



Did you purchase your machine new or used?

[TurfRyder]

What speed, psi and nozzels are you guys using? I'm spraying at 5mph, 40psi and lavensr tips. I seem to be putting down more than I should?

I am running the lavender nozzles @ 35 PSI @ 5 MPH.